File photo.
Safety, pricing and data collection are among a 42-page report from a parliamentary committee on transportation network companies (TNC) in B.C.
A total of 32 recommendations were delivered to the government on ride-hailing services in the province, including potential impacts on residents and communities.
The committee supports provincewide governing of TNCs that provide app-based transportation services with privately owned vehicles, such as Uber and Lyft.
The report suggests a provincial licensing regime which includes a requirement for TNC drivers to submit a driver’s abstract check, national criminal record and vulnerable sector check on an annual basis.
Recommendations also include data be collected for the government to make evidence-based decisions on future ride-hailing services.
The data would take into account wait times, trip lengths and costs and possibly extend to the taxi industry.
Tough accessibility regulations are proposed, with all ride-hailing companies to have fleets big enough to achieve wait-time standards and ensure drivers have access to training to serve customers with disabilities.
The committee also suggests companies disclose the cost of a trip on the app prior to the customer using the service.
The province could also look into a need for a base rate or a cap on surge or primetime pricing.
“It’s important that any provincial regulatory regime developed takes into account the need for fairness, consumer protections and workers’ rights in an ever-changing economy,” committee chair Bowinn Ma said in a release.
“Public safety, including appropriate driver screening, vehicle inspections and insurance, is paramount.”
Andy Neal
